And the race is on.

Qualifying for the City of Natchez’s top offices began Tuesday, though it will linger until March 30, giving those on-the-fence candidates plenty of time to change their minds two or three times.

Though we can’t say we fully understand why it’s OK to begin qualifying for an election for which districts have not yet been approved by the federal government, we’ve also learned that applying logic to government is sometimes a lost cause.

So instead of continuing to beat a live horse that refuses to budge, we’ll simply focus on the future.

Candidates and voters in this past fall’s county elections showed they were ready for a change. Willing challengers stepped up to the plate, and some found success while others learned a lesson about politics.

It’s time for city residents — those already in office and those who’ve never dreamed of politics — to give serious consideration to their potential role in local leadership.

Our leaders are important, and we need a good, healthy pool of candidates to truly ensure that the best man or woman wins.

Give it some thought, encourage those around you who might make a good elected official, and let’s make this next election cycle not only a fun one but one that makes the future of our community brighter.